Containment Systems with Multiple Containers

ABSTRACT

A sanitary containment system with multiple containers is disclosed. The sanitary containment system includes a first container, second container, and flat mop. The body of the first container is formed from side walls and a bottom to create a substantially rectangular container. Similarly, the body of the second container is formed from side walls and a bottom to create a substantially rectangular container. Each container includes a handle. The first container and second container are configured to stack when stored. Further, the first and second containers include a locking mechanism on a side wall to couple the containers while in use. During use one container can store dirty content while the other container can store clean content.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to the field of containmentsystems, and specifically to compact multiple container sanitarycontainment systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Flat mops include a flat pad that captures fluids, dirt, and debris.These mops are typically cleaned by placing the mop in a liquid or bypressing the pad against a surface to release the liquid, dirt, anddebris. Some flat mops utilize a mechanism to fold the ends of the flatmop together to discharge captured liquids, dirt, and debris from theflat mop. The problem with these systems and methods is that a singlecontainer is utilized to dampen the mop before mopping and to store thedirt and debris after mopping. As a result, the liquid in the containerneeds to be periodically replaced.

Various means and methods are known for separating the clean and dirtyliquids used for cleaning with a mop. A disadvantage of these systemsand methods is that they require multiple containers that are difficultto keep together, or are bulky and demand large storage space.Separating a single container into multiple containers or suitablevolume increases the size of the containment system.

There is a need in the art to improve such systems, and an object of theinvention is to improve such systems.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the invention a containment systemincludes adjacent interlocked containers that are, when unlocked,stackable one in another. According to various other embodiments, thecontainment system is a sanitary containment system that includes afirst container, second container, and flat mop. The body of the firstcontainer is formed from side walls and a bottom to create asubstantially rectangular container. Similarly, the body of the secondcontainer is formed of side walls and a bottom to create a substantiallyrectangular container. Both containers include a handle. The firstcontainer and second container are configured to stack when stored.Further, the first and second containers include a locking mechanism ona sidewall to couple the containers while in use. In the preferredembodiment the locking mechanism includes tabs that couple to the sidewall of another container. The tabs of the first container arepositioned to not interfere with the tabs of the second container.During use, one container can store dirty content while the othercontainer can store clean content for cleaning a surface. The flat mopof the sanitary containment system is configured to be disassemble andbe stored in the body of the first container or second container.

The various aspects of the invention are pointed out in the claimsforming a part of this specification. Other objects, features, andcharacteristics of the present invention, as well as methods ofoperation and functions of the related elements of the structure and thecombination of parts, will become apparent from consideration of thefollowing detailed description with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, all of which form part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description makes reference to the accompanying figureswherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a sanitary containment systemcomprising multiple containers and a flat mop in accordance with thepreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the sanitary containment systemshown in FIG. 1 wherein the containers are stacked.

FIG. 3 illustrates the structure for a disassembled flat mop for usewith the sanitary containment system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates the assembled structure of the flat mop shown in FIG.3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a structure for a sanitary containment system whereinthe width of the containers differ.

FIG. 6 illustrates the sanitary containment system shown in FIG. 5wherein the containers are stacked.

FIG. 7 illustrates a structure for a sanitary containment system anddolly.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the sanitary containmentsystem shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates a structure for a dolly for use with the sanitarycontainment system shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 illustrates a structure for a sanitary containment system anddolly wherein the containers are stacked and the dolly is disassembled.

FIG. 11 illustrates the structure of the disassembled dolly shown inFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates the structure of the assembled dolly shown in FIG.10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following presents a detailed description of preferred embodimentsof the present invention with reference to the figures.

In FIG. 1 a sanitary containment system 100 includes a first container102A, second container 102B and a flat mop. First container 102Aincludes first body 104A and first handle 110A. First body 104A isformed from side walls and first bottom 108A to create a substantiallyrectangular container. Similarly, second container 102B includes secondbody 104B and second handle 110B. Second body 104A is formed from sidewalls and second bottom 108B to create a substantially rectangularshape. First body 104A and second body 104B are preferably composed ofplastic and an inner surface of first bottom 108A and second bottom 108Bpreferably include a ribbed surface.

In a preferred embodiment, a locking mechanism is positioned on a sidewall of first body 104A and second body 104B. As shown in FIG. 1, thelocking mechanism for first body 104A includes at least one tab 106Apositioned on the outside surface of the side wall. The at least one tab106A is configured to couple with the side wall of another container,for example, second container 102B. Tabs 106A are positioned withinsecond container 102B when coupled to the side wall of second container102B. Tabs 106B of second container 102B are preferably positioned tonot overlap with tabs 106A of first container 102A. In the presentembodiment, tabs 106A and 106B are configured to couple at only one sidewall, but it would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art toconfigure the remaining side walls to allow the locking mechanism tocouple on more than one side wall. For example, the locking mechanismcan utilize a clasp that can snap onto a side wall to secure thecontainer. In another embodiment, the locking mechanism can include aslot on the body of the container that is configured to accept aprotuberance portion of another container. The protuberance portion isslid into the slot to couple the containers.

In FIG. 2, second container 102B is stacked on top of first container102A. This configuration minimizes the space required to store sanitarycontainment system 100. In a preferred embodiment, the side walls offirst body 104A and second body 104B are tapered. It would be readilyapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize other forms ofstackable containers. For example, in another embodiment described indetail below with reference to FIGS. 5-6, the first container and secondcontainer can have a different width to permit stacking.

In FIG. 3, sanitary containment system 100 includes flat mop 200. Flatmop 200 includes head assembly 202, intermediate section 204, and handlesection 206. Head assembly 202 includes first flap 208 and second flap210. An end of first flap 208 can be unsecured and rotated in an upwarddirection to allow insertion of an end of pad 212 into first flap 208.Similarly, an end of second flap 210 can be unsecured and rotated in anupward direction to allow insertion of an opposite end of pad 212 intosecond flap 210. The position of pad 212 is secured by rotating downwardand securing the end of first flap 208 and second flap 210,respectively. In a preferred embodiment, pad 212 is composed ofmicrofiber material. It would be readily apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art to utilize other materials for collecting dirt and/orliquid.

Head assembly 202 further includes head holder 214 which is coupled tomounting assembly 220. Mounting assembly 220 includes first rotationaxis 216 and second rotation axis 218. First rotation axis 216 rotateswithin the XZ plane, while second rotation axis 218 rotates within theYZ plane. As shown in FIG. 3, first rotation axis 216 is configured torotate and lock head holder 214 into pre-determined positions, forexample, 0 Degree, 90 Degrees, and 180 Degrees. Head holder 214 isparallel to first flap 208 and second flap 210 at the 0 Degree and 180Degrees positions. Head holder 214 is perpendicular to first flap 208and second flap 210 at the 90 Degrees position. Second rotation axis 218is configured to rotate head holder 214 in an upward and downwarddirection.

FIG. 4, illustrates an assembled flat mop 200. The male threaded portionof head holder 214 is coupled to a female threaded portion ofintermediate section 204. Thereafter, the male threaded portion ofintermediate section 204 is coupled to the female threaded section ofhandle section 206. As shown, second rotation axis 218 of head assembly202 is configured to lock head holder 214, intermediate section 204, andhandle 206 in a substantially vertically position.

The cleaning process in accordance with a preferred embodiment includesvarious steps. First, a user unstacks first container 104A and secondcontainer 104B. Next, the user couples first container 104A to secondcontainer 104B using the locking system described in detail above withreference to FIG. 1. Thereafter, the user assembles flat mop 200.Generally, flat mop 200 is assembled by attaching a cleaning pad to thefirst flap and second flap of the mop head assembly. Next, theintermediate section of the flat mop is threadably coupled to the mophead assembly. Finally, a handle section is threadably coupled to theintermediate section. Next, the user places water and/or a cleaningsolution into second container 104B. The user places water and/or acleaning solution into first container 104A. Thereafter, the user placesthe pad of the assembled flat mop into second container 104B. The usercan then proceed to clean a surface with the flat mop. When the cleaningpad of the flat mop is dirty the user places the dirty pad in firstcontainer 104A. The user can also press and move the cleaning pad acrossthe bottom surface of first container 104A to remove particles of dirtthat are stuck in the cleaning pad. Thereafter the user can lift the mophead from the fluid in first container 104A and drain any excess liquidinto first container 104A. Next the user places the mop head assemblyinto second container 104B to apply cleaning solution on the mop pad. Byutilizing one container to store the dirty contents and the secondcontainer to store clean content the user can continue cleaning with aclean mop. When the user is done cleaning the user can remove thecontents in first container 104A and second container 104B. Next, theuser disassembles the flat mop and places the disassembled flat mop intoeither first container 104A or second container 104B. Thereafter, firstcontainer 104A and second container 104B can be stacked and stored.

In FIG. 5, sanitary containment system 300 includes first container302A, second container 302B, and a flat mop. First container 302Aincludes first body 304A and first handle 308A. First body 304A isformed from side walls and a bottom to create a substantiallyrectangular container. Second container 302B includes second body 304Band second handle 308B. Second body 304B is formed from side walls and abottom to create a substantially rectangular shape. In the presentembodiment, the width of second body 304B is less than the width offirst body 304A. Further, second body 304B includes a locking mechanismincluding tab 306B. As shown, tab 306B is positioned on the outsidesurface of a side wall of body 304B. In this embodiment, tab 306Bpreferably extends the length of a side wall and is configured to couplewith a side wall of first container 302A.

In FIG. 6, second container 302B is stacked on top of first container302A. In this embodiment, the width of second container 302B is lessthan the width of first container 302A. This structure allows secondcontainer 302B to stack on top of first container 302A and preventsfirst container 302A from stacking on top of second container 302B.Further, a side wall of first body 304A and second body 304B are taperedto assist with stacking.

In FIG. 7, sanitary containment system 400 includes first container402A, second container 402B and a flat mop. First container 402Aincludes first body 404A and first handle 406A. Second container 402Bincludes second body 404B and first handle 406B. Sanitary containmentsystem 400 further includes dolly 500. In this embodiment, firstcontainer 402A and second container 402B are positioned on top of dolly500. Thereafter, sanitary containment system 400 can be transported fromone location to another with minimal lifting of first container 402A andsecond container 402B using first handle 406A and second handle 406B,respectively.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of sanitary containment system 400.Dolly 500 preferably includes at least one wheel 502, and in thisinstance four wheels. In FIG. 9, dolly 500 further includes indent 504.First container 402A and second container 402B are secured onto dolly500 by placing them into indent 504.

In FIG. 10, sanitary containment system 600 includes first container602A, second container 602B and a flat mop. First container 602Aincludes first body 604A and first handle 606A. Second container 602Bincludes second body 604B and second handle 606B. Sanitary containmentsystem 600 further includes dolly 700. As shown in FIG. 10, secondcontainer 602B is stacked on top of first container 602A. Further, dolly700 is dissembled. This configuration minimize the space required tostore sanitary containment system 600.

In FIG. 11, dolly 700 includes first section 702 and second section 704.First section 702 and second section 704 include an indent 706A andindent 706B, respectively. Indent 706A and indent 706B are configured tosecure first container 602A and second container 602B when dolly 700 isassembled. FIG. 12 depicts the assembly process of dolly 700. Firstsection 702 includes at least one male feature 708. The at least onemale feature 708 is configured to couple to at least one female feature710 of second section 704.

The present invention provides a multiple liquid container containmentsystem that is easily assembled for use with containers fixed relativeto each other during cleaning, and reassembled into a compact volume forstorage.

The present invention provides a containment system with multiplecontainers that can separate different liquids.

The present invention further provides containers that can separate andinclude individual handles.

The present invention provides a flat mop that is configured to fitwithin a container when disassembled.

The present invention provides containers that can stack for compactstorage.

While detailed illustrative embodiments of the present invention aredisclosed herein, techniques, methods, processes, systems, and operatingstructures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in awide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite differentfrom those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specificstructural and functional details disclosed herein are merelyrepresentative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the bestembodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for theclaims herein which define the scope of the present invention.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “include,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, electronic or otherwise, between two or moreelements; the coupling of connection between the elements can bephysical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words“herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used inthis application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not toany particular portions of this application. Where the context permits,words in the Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments using thesingular or plural number may also include the plural or singular numberrespectively. The word “or,” in reference to a list of two or moreitems, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any ofthe items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combinationof the items in the list.

While the present invention has been described with reference to apreferred embodiment, which has been set forth in considerable detailfor the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, thepreferred embodiment is merely exemplary and is not intended to belimiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of theinvention. The scope of the invention, therefore, shall be definedsolely by the claims. Further, it will be apparent to those of skill inthe art that numerous changes may be made in such details withoutdeparting from the spirit and the principles of the invention. It shouldbe appreciated that the present invention is capable of being embodiedin other forms without departing from its essential characteristics.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sanitary containment system comprising: a firstcontainer; a second container; and a mop.
 2. The sanitary containmentsystem of claim 1, wherein the mop is a flat mop.